Bangladesh braces for warmer September as 2-3 heatwaves forecast
BMD forecasts a warmer and drier September, with two to three mild to moderate heatwaves possible and temperatures reaching 36-37°C in parts of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is likely to experience a warmer-than-usual September, with the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) forecasting two to three mild to moderate heatwaves across the country during the month.
According to the department's long-range weather outlook, both daytime and nighttime temperatures are expected to remain above normal, raising the possibility of prolonged periods of hot and uncomfortable weather in several parts of the country.
The outlook was issued following a meeting of the Expert Team on Long-Range Weather Forecasting.
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Talking to BSS today (9 September), Assistant Meteorologist at the BMD Afruza Sultana said rainfall is likely to remain below normal across all divisions, suggesting that September could be comparatively drier and warmer than usual.
She said the country may experience two to three mild to moderate heatwaves during the month, with temperatures potentially rising to 36–37 degrees Celsius.
According to Sultana, Dhaka, Rajshahi and Khulna divisions are likely to experience the heat more intensely, with the central and western parts of the country expected to be among the areas most affected by the warmer conditions.
"Usually, moisture levels are higher during this time, causing people to sweat more and making it harder for sweat to dry quickly," she said.
"As a result, people feel more uncomfortable than they do in April, even when temperatures rise above 38°C, because of the higher moisture in the air in September," she said.
The combination of above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall could increase discomfort for residents and put additional pressure on water resources, particularly during prolonged dry spells, she said.
According to the BMD forecast, Dhaka is expected to receive around 260–270 mm of rainfall in September, while Rajshahi may record 240–270 mm and Chattogram 330–360 mm.
Although rain will remain possible, the overall rainfall totals are expected to stay slightly below the respective long-term averages.
Meteorologists have also warned that one to three low-pressure systems could develop over the Bay of Bengal during September. At least one of these systems may strengthen into a monsoon depression, potentially bringing periods of heavy rain to parts of the country.
Despite the overall drier outlook, localized flooding remains a possibility. Rising water levels in major rivers and monsoon rainfall could trigger short-term flooding, particularly in the northern, northeastern and southeastern regions.
Thunderstorms are also expected on around three to five days during the month.
The latest forecast follows a mixed rainfall pattern in August. Chattogram and Mymensingh received above-normal rainfall, while Rajshahi and Rangpur experienced significant rainfall deficits.
Four low-pressure systems formed over the Bay of Bengal during August, with two developing into monsoon depressions that produced heavy rain and thunderstorms.
The highest daily rainfall recorded last month was 198 mm in Hatiya, while the country's highest temperature reached 37.0°C in Rajshahi.
With September expected to be comparatively warmer and drier, the BMD has urged residents, farmers and local authorities to remain prepared for heatwaves, water stress and sudden localized flooding as weather conditions evolve.
